“Yeah.”
“Why?”
His gaze holds mine. “Because you’re not just anyone. You matter.”
That’s unfair. Completely unfair.
Because I want to stay mad. I want to walk away. And now?—
Now I’m standing here, looking at a man who left because he was taking care of his family, who didn’t want to betray hissister’s privacy, who showed up anyway to explain it to me in person?—
“Okay,” I say, before I can overthink it.
His brows lift slightly. “Okay?”
“One more chance.”
The words come out firm.
Clear.
“But that’s it,” I add quickly. “This is the last one. If you disappear again, no more chances.”
A corner of his mouth lifts. “Understood.”
“And no more mystery emergencies,” I add. “You don’t have to tell me everything, but I need something.”
“I can do that.”
I can’t believe it. I’m giving him another chance.
I’m crazy. I must be.
SIX
DOUGLAS
This time will be different.
For starters, I haven’t called in a favor with my helicopter pilot buddy. I’m not taking her flying through the air on a zipline.
Not only are we going to keep our feet planted on solid ground, but I made damn sure I won’t get called away. Again.
I have a mutual buddy looking after my sister and the kids. I have a couple of co-workers covering for me if there are any disasters.
Basically, I’m not going to fuck things up. I’m going to show Kathryn she deserves the best.
I’m going to show her that I care for the people who are mine.
And I want her to be mine.
Call it nerves or determination, but I’m once again early to pick her up.
I lean against the truck and check my phone once. Not because I expect another disaster, but out of habit. And because I need to do something with my hands.
Hell, I really am nervous.
Not wanting to tempt fate I slide the phone back into my pocket just as her door opens.
